Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several aspects to take into consideration when traveling with powered chairs. The staff at the airport and the airline will inquire about your chair, its dimensions and battery type, as well as how to use it.
Make sure you have these details prepared before you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines can be safely transported and stowed on planes. They usually have non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel and can be tucked under the plane as checked baggage. They'll also be able to maneuver on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration stripes, brick or muddy road. They could also be fitted with a drive system that is patent-pending that allows them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the boarding gates. It is important to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure they are aware of any special needs and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate them. Certain airlines require that you arrive one hour prior to the departure time you have scheduled, which is important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is not large enough and is first come first served. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be disconnected unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to you bring an electric wheelchair or scooter on their flights. They also request that you check in one hour prior to your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful details about your mobility or power chair. scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to provide an efficient and safe method of travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling, and storage. If you plan to travel with your airline of choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide you with assembly and disassembly instructions. Certain airlines will require you to remove your wheelchair's battery for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is safely stowed in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following information such as your name address, number, and model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment in case it should become lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your seat during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
It is recommended to arrive at at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that the proper stowage of your equipment is done. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better, especially during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and gives the airline representative ample time to assist you with stowing your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair prior to travel. This will serve as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for damages from the airline. You should also consider bringing cushions for your seats so that your journey is as relaxing as possible for you. The use of a cushion for your seat is particularly important when you travel for longer than an hour, because this will minimize the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be a daunting task. Air travel with a power chair is possible with the proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Speak to an airline representative prior to making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They'll be able to help you navigate in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to check-in your chair at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it's advised to arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure that it is properly and properly stored to be ready for your trip.
Based on the power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair prior to transportation. In this case it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in the go to help airline personnel who will handle your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty read more information. It is also recommended to take off any detachable accessories before you leave for the airport and also to ensure that all controls are working properly.
Once you arrive at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the plane. The airlines are not allowed to charging an additional cost to store assistive devices, such as power wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities since it helps them avoid costly expenses.
Once the plane is in the air in the air, a representative from the airline will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to fit down the aircraft aisle. After disembarking, your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or at the gate.
The idea of using an electric chair can be daunting, but with the right planning and adherence to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the thrill of exploring new places without difficulty. It is important to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to travel with the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for those with mobility issues. If you're using a wheelchair or a scooter, it can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it's essential to follow the airline's guidelines for bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to learn about their policies on power chairs, and to ask any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines may require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a doctor's note on file before they will allow you to fly with your electric chair. Some airlines may also require that you disassemble the battery-powered portion of your chair, and place it into a case that is safe.
Make sure you arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to flight. Bring any documents you need to the airport, such as your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid. This will help speed up the check-in process and prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
If you are at the counter for tickets to airline or at the gate, be sure you explain your mobility needs clearly. Discuss your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may require, such as seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be storing your wheelchair in a separate cart or checking it for storage. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an express flight to reduce the amount of times your equipment is moved between locations.
After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo compartment with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair, just as they would with your luggage. Take a picture of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.